Two Teens Suspected of Setting Stolen Car on Fire at Mar Vista Middle School

Firefighters responded to two separate car fires Sunday morning in the Imperial Beach area, and both are being investigated as possible arsons, according to authorities.

Two teenage boys were taken into custody near Mar Vista Middle School around 3:35 a.m. after a witness identified them as the suspects seen setting a car on fire at the school on Thermal Avenue, according to San Diego police.

The juveniles, age 16 and 17, are suspected of driving the car into a gate at the school, setting it on fire and fleeing on foot, said Officer Dan Lasher. The car had been reported stolen.

A witness called 911 and responding officers soon found the two juveniles nearby, Lasher said, and they were identified by the witness. The teens admitted to torching the car and were taken into custody. They are also suspected of hitting another vehicle prior to setting the car on fire, a crash that left the stolen car’s license plate at the scene, Lasher said.

Almost an hour and a half later, a car on fire was reported in front of a residence on 7th Street, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded to 612 7th St. at 4:53 a.m., and firefighters arrived soon after and put out the fire. The sheriff’s bomb/arson unit was called in to investigate the fire.

No injuries or arrests were reported and no additional details were released.